(meteorobs) Definition of a meteor (was Re: Fifth gradesciencebook)

[GeoZay at aol.com]

>> Nice!  Linguistically it seems to be about hats:
>  
> Wear the geologist's hat and it is a meteorite
> Wear the  atmosphere watcher's hat and it is a meteor
> Wear the astronomer's hat  and it is a meteoroid.<<
 
If we are talking about what to call the falling object AFTER the  
incandescent phase, then a geologist is probably right about calling it a  meteorite. 
 
If an astronomer calls it a meteoroid after the incandescent phase, then I  
think by definition he's on shaky ground. 
 
If an atmosphere watcher calls it a meteor after the incandescent  phase...he 
might as well be bird watching. :O)
GeoZay